The Goodness of Kosher Salt

We all hear and read a lot about “Kosher Salt”. Almost 80% recipes ask for kosher salt as their ingredient. But many people are confused regarding what exactly kosher salt is. Actually the confusion arises from the word “kosher” which has two meanings as of salt, and that salt can be taken as one type of kosher, both types of kosher or non-kosher. When people mention “kosher salt”, they either refer to kosher-style flake salt or kosher certified salt. Here is the way to know which kosher salt you need exactly.

Kosher Certified Salt

Kosher certified salt is commonly called “kosher salt” and it refers to the salt that has met the kosher guidelines of Jewish law and is supported by kosher certification agencies. The certificate confirms that the salt is manufactured and handled according to the Jewish high standards and is suitable for eating for those who follow the kosher dietary rules.

Kosher-style Salt

Kosher-style salt is the one which is commonly referenced in recipes, and by chefs and foodies. It typically features small, flake-like crystalline shape. It is believed that this salt took the term “kosher” because its unique shape and texture are helpful in koshering meat. So, this name gave rise to confusion.

The shape and texture of kosher-style salt is more delicate and lighter than the usual fine-grain salt. Many people are fond of its typical texture because of the subtleness of flavor and a bit of crunch when sprinkled over food. It also dissolves faster and also in foods at the time of cooking, and contributes to other flavors fantastically. It is the most popular salt to use in spice mixtures, as its texture blends well with other contents.

Why Should I Use Kosher Salt?

Chemically, there is not much difference between kosher salt and the regular table salt, as both are compounds of sodium and chlorine called sodium chloride. But when health and flavor are the concerns, kosher salt definitely scores over the regular salt regarding purity and ability to get mixed well.

No Additives – Kosher salt has typically no additives in it, like sodium iodide, potassium iodide or sodium iodate. Table salt also sometimes contains sodium ferrocyanide or sodium silicoaluminate to make it non-caky. This ingredient is occasionally added to kosher salt too.

Flavor – Because of being pure and containing no additives, the flavor of kosher salt is lighter, softer and more delicious. Kosher salt is less salty than table salt.

Convenience of Crystals – Why is kosher salt favorite of chefs? It is because it comes in a larger and coarser granular or crystalline form which makes it easy to crush and measure with fingers. However, different brands produce various sizes of crystals and so it is usually difficult to mark the accurate amount, like a teaspoon, in a recipe. But you can learn to measure it correctly with practice.

Cures Meat Better – Kosher salt is ideal to cure meat because of its larger surface area that lets it soak up more moisture than other types of salts. Better curing offers meats a longer storage life.

Reduces Cooking Time – Kosher salt indeed increases the temperature of water when foods like potatoes, veggies and pasta are being boiled. Obviously it reduces the cooking time. This is beneficial if you are a busy person.

Kosher salt is thus pure, healthy, tasty and more beneficial than the regular salt. It has got many tasty varieties which you can use in your recipes to wow your family and friends.